This is uploaded to fulfill the final examination of I-learning for Literature 2018.

1. Theme and characterization of Björnstjerne
björnson’s the father
Luvila Al Fitra

2. Abstract
In this writing, the writer would like to analyze about the theme and the characterization of a short story by the
Norwegian author Björnstjerne Björnson entitled The Father. The purpose of this writing is to understand the
theme and the characterization of the story. The story mostly talks about how to value something in our life. It
will use the theory of theme and characterization also will use the method of close reading. In conclusion, this
short story is focusing on the moral value of something or someone.
Keywords : The Father, Theme, Characterization

3. Introduction
"The Father" is a short story written by Björnstjerne
Björnson. The story was about a man who fathered a
boy named Finn. Since Finn was born, the man went to
the priest four times. Each time he went to the priest,
he always asks for different favor on his son's behalf.
In this story, the author uses a relationship between
father and his son as the main theme.

4. Biography
Björnstjerne Martinius Björnson was born in
December 8th, 1832, in Kvikne, Norway. He was the
son of a pastor, grew up in the small farming
community of Romsdalen. He was a poet, dramatist,
novelist, journalist, editor, public speaker, theatre
director, and one of the most prominent public figures
in Norway. He was awarded The Nobel Prize for
Literature in 1903. He died in Paris, France April
26th, 1910.

5. Summary of the story
"The Father" was about a man named Thord Overaas who fathered a son named Finn. Since Finn
was born, the man came to the priest four times to ask for a different favor. The first time he came,
he asked to baptized his son by himself. The second time that he came, he asked for his son to
stand first in the communion. The third time that he came, he asked for the banns to be published
to his son marriage. The last time he came to the priest, he donated all of his wealth after the death
of his son.

6. discussion
1. Theme
The major theme of this story is family while the minor theme is a relationship between a father with his son. The
story revolves around how the father always asks the priest something on the behalf of his son. He loves his son
very much it seems like an obsession because he would ask for many favors to be able to make his son seems
powerful.
"I did not wish to pay the priest until i heard what number the boy would have when he take his place in church to-morrow"
"He will stand number one."

7. discussion
2. Characterization
1. The Father / Thord Overaas : Thord was an arrogant and proud man. He shows it throughout the story when he
directly asks the priest if he could baptize his son by himself, if his son would stand first in the communion and that
the priest published the banns for his son marriage. He was also fearless, for asking all these favors. However,
following the death of his son, he changed. He was not that arrogant, proud and fearless man anymore, he became
kind, thoughtful and generous. He sold his farm and donated the money to the poor.
"I have something with me that i should like to give to the poor; I want it to be invested as a legacy in my son's name."

8. discussion
2. The Priest : The priest was a good man, as he wished that Finn would become a true blessing for Thord. However,
the priest represented someone who bows down to someone who has authority. Thord was a wealthy man and
when he came to the priest for asking his favor he also paid the priest and the priest himself did everything Thord
asked him. At last he also declared that Finn truly brought a blessing to Thord referring to when Thord sold his farm
and donate his money for the poor.
"He will stand number one."
"So i have heard, and here are ten dollars for the priest."

9. discussion
3. Finn Overaas : Finn was dependent on his father because his father used to give him everything even when he
did not ask for. It is tragic that he lost his life on his way to make the wedding arrangement. He was a happy man
who was about to marry the richest girl in town.

10. conclusion
Thord Overaas inspire people to value something in the was how it should be valued. He valued his
son too much that he was willing to do anything for him, it made him proud and arrogant but after
the death of his son, he changed to a better version of himself because he has learned from his lost.